The owner of the clinic, Dr. Jack Taylor, 59, is also accused of making those patients receive treatment at the clinic several times a week in order to keep seeing the doctors for their prescriptions. His father, Jack Taylor Sr., is also charged acting as Pittsburgh Healthworx, where he was the executive director.

"The evidence in this case will show that these physicians believed they were above the law, and what’s worse, they allegedly preyed upon drug-addicted patients to line their own pockets," Kane said in a statement.

A grand jury found that Pittsburgh Healthworx received more than $2.3 million in payments for medical and chiropractic services from Highmark Insurance from January 2007 to May 2013, according to Kane.

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Taylor is also accused of misleading UNUM Insurance about not being able to work after a 2010 motorcycle accident. He allegedly returned to work full-time in January 2011 while still collecting disability benefits.

It’s estimated that Taylor collected $45,000 in benefits during an 18-month period while still earning a salary from Pittsburgh Healthworx.

Taylor is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of insurance fraud and one count of theft by deception.

Boles is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of unlawful prescribing, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of prescribing to a drug-dependent person.

Boles said he was confident he would beat the charges. "Because I'm innocent," he said after his arraignment.

Sweeney is charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, one count of Medicaid fraud, one count of unlawful prescribing, one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of prescribing to a drug-dependent person.

Sweeney told investigators that he only prescribed the medications for fear of losing his job.

"I tried to keep people from getting pill-sick. I tried to discharge people who were doing things illegally. I tried to get people who I thought needed other care other than chiropractic care to neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, that type of thing," Sweeney said Friday. "I didn't do anything intentionally other than get people healthy and get them to where they belonged."

The grand jury presentment states Sweeney repeatedly questioned the prescribing of medication to some patients to the Taylors, but they grew upset. Sweeney said he felt he would lose his job if he didn't comply.

"I needed the work. I tried to help the patients and cooperate with Dr. Taylor as much as I could," Sweeney said.

Pittsburgh Healthworx is also charged with two counts of corrupt organizations and one count of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity. Taylor Sr. appeared in court to face those charges. The company has been transferred to new management and remains open as a chiropractic clinic in Rostraver Township.

Several patients and friends showed their support for the men during the arraignment.

"I've known Dr. Taylor for the past two, almost three years, and I've never seen anything crooked or dirty," said patient Yma Smith. "If all the doctors had his characteristics, it would be a better society. That man is a loving doctor, not a criminal."